Heritage

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura situated in North-Central Province which is one of the largest archeological sites in the world is world-famous for its well preserved ruins of the great Sri Lankan Civilization. The Civilization which was built upon this city was one of the greatest Civilizations of Asia and in the world. Founded in the 4th century BC it was the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom till the beginning of the 11th century AC. It was made capital by King Pandukabhaya. During this period it remained one of the most stable, wealthy and durable centres of political power and Urban life in South Asia and was a Kingdom which ruled Sri Lanka for a long period of time.

Today this ancient city of Sri Lanka, which is scared to the Buddhist World which it’s surrounding monasteries, covers an area of over 40sq.km and shows the unique culture which was once present there.

The archeological city of Anuradhapura has also been declared by UNESCO as a world Heritage Site.

Monuments in Anuradhapura

(1) Sri Maha Bodhiya – 237 BC, King Devanampiyathissa

• Brought by Arahath Sangamith (Daughter of Emperor Ashoka and Sister of Arahath Mihindu)

(2) Ruwanweli Stupa – 161 – 137 BC, King Dutugamunu

(3) Jethawanaramaya – 276 – 303 AD, King Mahasen

(4) Abhayagiri Monastry – 89 – 76 BC, King Walagamba

(5) Samadhi Buddha – 4th Century AD

(6) Mahapali Alms Hall – 10th Century AD

(7) Thuparama – 3rd Century BC, King Devanampiyathissa

(8) Lovamahapasada – King Dutugamunu

(9) Abhayagiri Stupa

(10)Twin Pond – 567 – 591 AD, king Agbo 1

(11) Moon Stone

(12) Mahaviharaya – 237 BC, King Devanampiyathissa

(13) Guard Stone

(14) Nissankamalla Inscription – 1187 – 1196 AD, King Nissankamalla

(15) Awukana

• What may be called one of the wonders of the world is the tall, standing statue of the Buddha at Awukana, another architectural marvel of the ancient Sinhalese. The rock cut statue which stands 39ft above its decorated lotus plinth and 10ft across the shoulders, belongs to the period of King Datusena the builder of the great reservoir Kala wewa. It has been very well preserved over the years and is a joy for anyone to see and appreciate. It is a unique creation by an unknown sculptor. Awukana Buddha Statue is located at 30km Northwest of Dambulla close to ancient Kala Wawa man-made rainwater reservoir. This is also the tallest ancient Buddha Statue of Sri Lanka.

(16) Isurumuniya

• This small group of striking black rocks is one of the most attractive and peaceful place in this town. It also has some outstanding sculptures. The temple is carved out of solid rock and it houses a large statue of the seated Buddha. You can climb up steps to the top of the rock above the temple to get a good view of the countryside. There is a cleft in the rock which is full of bats, they are fascination to watch. On the terraces outside is a small square pool, they are also some beautifully carved Elephants, showing great individual character. Note the carving beside the main entrance just above the water level.

Isurumuni Lovers

• 6th century Gupta style craving. The Woman, seated on the man’s lap, lifts a warning finger, probably as a manifestation of her coyness, but the man carries on regardless. the figures may represent Dutugamunu’s son and low caste (sadolkula) maiden Asokamala whom he loved. It’s known that he gave up the throne for her.

(17) Mihinthalaya

• The rocky projection of Mihinthale is where Sri Lankan Buddhism Originated, in 247 BC, King Devanmpiyatissa was converted to Buddhism here by Arahath Mahinda, a kinsman of the Indian Emperor Ashoka. On top of the hill is the Ambasthale Dagoba where King Devanampiya and Mahinda met. Sri Lanka has blessed this rock with splendid masterpieces of architecture. The site includes remains of a hospital, a monastic complex, stupas and dagabas. While some of these structures are in an almost perfect state of preservation, some others are in complete ruin. The most impressive out of these is the Kantaka Chetiya, which exhibits some of the finest architecture of the early Anuradhapura era. The climb to the summit consists of almost thousand steps. The Mihinthale Dagoba can be seen from far away and is an especially beautiful sight at nights.

Mihinthale is a collection of 4 mountains each about 1000ft in height. They are

(1) Mihinthalawa

(2) Athvehera Mountain

(3) Anaikutti Mountain

(4) Rajagirilena

(Mihinthalawa is the main mountain and where the Aradhana gala and the main Mahaseya Stupa is situated) Exploring Mihinthale involves quite a climb, it is best it is done in early morning or evening to avoid the midday hot sun.

Places to visit :

• Kantaka Chethiya
• The Refectory
• Relic House
• Sinha Pokuna
• Ambasthala Dagaba
• Sela Chethiya
• Mahinda’s Cave
• Aradhana Gala
• Mahaseya Dagaba

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa was the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s Kingdoms; Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu 1. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa came in to being after the Anuradhapura Kingdom was invaded by Chola forces from India. The city of Polonnaruwa covers over 122 hectares and had a large irrigation system therefore as a result it became as an agricultural and irrigational hub in the country.

Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom’s first rulers. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Monuments in Polonnaruwa

(1) Parakkramabahu Statue –

(2) Galviharaya –          

Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya (Uththararamaya) is one of the main attractions and one of the best intricate creations which can be seen in Polonnaruwa. The Buddha statues created in rock are simply amazing. The statues are the main attraction of this place. Gal Vihara statues are created using best rock material. The 4 important feature of Gal Vihara are images of the Buddha created on a large brickwork rock face thus they are believed to be the ideal examples of the rock craving and sculpting arts of the early Sinhalese. Almost 15ft deep cut is there on the rock to create a rock face to hold the images. You will see why this temple is visited by thousands of people throughout the year. Three of the statues are relatively large the smallest of them is more that 15ft and the largest is long more than 46ft. The four statues are as follows

(1) Seated Statue    (2) Statue in Vidyadara Cave

(3) Standing Statue (4) Reclining Statue

Main Samadhi Buddha statue   

The large Samadhi Buddha Statue is around 16ft in height and it’s the left most one towards the left.

Statue in Vidyadara Cave           

This Statue is located in a cave call Vidyadara Guhawa. There are some decorations done on the background wall.

Standing Statue

Reclining Statue                            

This is the largest statue of gal vihara. This statue is one of the greatest art works not only in Sri Lanka but also in whole South Asia. The statue symbolizes the Parinirwana of the Great Lord Buddha.

(3) Parakkramabahu Palace –          

Built by King Parakkramabahu who ruled in 12th century AD.

(4) Watadage –          

A circular relic chamber built enclosing a dagoba that had been popular architectural style in ancient Sri Lanka.

(5) Hatadage –

A relic chamber built by King Parakkaramabahu 1 to house the Sacred Tooth Relic.

(6) Sathmahal Pasada –

(7) Nissanka Latha Mandapa –

(8) Atadage –

(9) Parakkrama Lake –

Parakkarama Samudra is a man made irrigation tank spread over an area of 5940 acres, built by the King Parakkramabahu. It is one of the most striking features of Polonnaruwa.

(10) Pothgulvehera –

(11) Pabulu Vehera –

(12) Thiwanka Pilimage –

(13) Hindu Shrines –

(14) Lotus Pond –

A stone pond built in the shape of a Lotus flower in eight parallel tiers probably to provide seating to the monks while bathing.

(15) Rankoth Vehera –

(16) Alahana Pirivena Complex –

• Baddasima Pasada
• Lankathilaka (The Image house)
• Kiri Vehera (The Milky Dagaba)

(17) Museum of Polonnaruwa –

Dambadeniya

King Vijayabahu 3 (1232-1236) was the First King of this period. He was the king who expelled the Tamils from Maya Rata and became King. He had his Capital at Dambadeniya but kept the Tooth Relic at Beligala for greater safety. He repaired temples and helped Buddhism and other learning centers

Yapahuwa

Yapahuwa, is an ancient fortress and capital was built in the year 1301. Yapahuwa is a rock rising to a height of 90m. Many traces of ancient battle defenses can still be seen here, while an ornamental stairway, remains its biggest showpiece. Yapahuwa was the 13th Century capital in Sri Lanka was made by King Buvanekabahu 1. Here the chief object is the rock, which rises about 300ft above the surrounding land. The land at the base to the south is fortified with 2 moats and ramparts. In this enclosure there are the remains of a number of buildings. Yapahuwa is situated at Kurunagala.

The Tooth Relic too was brought from Dambadeniya an kept in the special hall built for the purpose.

Kurunegala

Kurunegala, the Capital of North Western Province is treasure house of archaeology, having been the seat of four Medieval Kingdoms of Sri Lanka between the mid 12th and 14th century. King Buvanekabahu 2 took advantage of the troubles in Pandyan invader from India, attacked and seized the throne from them and made Sri Lanka Independent again. He brought the Tooth Relic to Kurunagala and ruled from there.

Kotte

In 1415 King Parakkaramabahu 6 (1412-1467) moved his capital to Kotte. It was better protected and more secure. He was a Parton of Buddhism and learning. He built a Tooth Relic Temple at kotte and also the Pepiliyana Temple.

Kandy

Kandy is situated in central province 101km from Colombo. It was the last capital of Sinhala Kings and is famous for the natural beauty of its setting in a peaceful natural surroundings with an artificial lake. Sena Sammatha Wikkramabahu (1469-1511AD) made Kandy his capital and named it as Senkadagala.

Kandy continued as the capital until the capture of the last King and the whole country became a British Colony in 1815. British period buildings are still remain in the area. Under British rule, when the great Queen of Britain arrived Sri Lanka, the hotel she rested in was, later named as Queens Hotel; and even today we can see that room she stayed in. The room from then till now has not changed a bit whatever the Queen used still remains there and anyone can watch the room but cannot to stay there.

The religious importance of the Tooth Relic and the annual Procession or the Dalada Perahara contributes to the dynamism and Unique Cultural importance to the historic hill Capital and its Buddhist heritage.

Kandy has played an important role in the political and cultural history of Sri Lanka.

Special Places in Kandy

(1) The Temple of the Tooth Relic         –           17th AD, KIng Wimaladarmasooriya
Also Known as Dalada Maligawa, which houses a tooth of Lord Buddha, the supreme teacher of Buddhism, it is one of the most Sacred Buddhist Pilgrimage sites in the World.

(2) Gadaladeniya Temple                         –           1344AD

(3) Peradeniya Gardens                            –           14th Century AD, King Vikkramabahu 3
Also known as The Royal Botanical Garden, is a Paradise for a Nature Lover.

(4) Embekke Temple                                    –           14th century AD
Famous for the intricate Wooden Cravings.

(5) Lankathilaka Temple                           –           14th Century AD